Arsenal are currently in pole position to win the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta is looking to do whatever he can to ensure their lead at the top does not slip
Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster Arsenal’s Premier League title charge by bringing in former Liverpool coach Thomas Gronnemark.
The Gunners are currently perched atop the league table, six points clear of their closest competitors, Manchester City. However, Arteta is still seeking ways to fortify his squad for the latter half of the season, looking for any marginal gains he can find.
Gronnemark, a former footballer himself, is globally recognised as a throw-in specialist, holding the record for the world’s longest throw. The 50-year-old has shared his unique skills with several clubs, including Brentford, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, FC Midtjylland, Union Saint-Gilloise and JEF United in Japan.
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According to The Times, Arsenal have sought Gronnemark’s counsel on set pieces. In 2018, he was snapped up by Klopp and his expertise played a part in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph under the German manager.
Recalling his surprise move to Anfield, Gronnemark said: “I was totally in shock when Jurgen called me. I was visiting a chocolate shop with my family.
“I saw the +44 and thought it was an English guy trying to sell me pens. I listened to the voicemail and it was a message from Jurgen. I tried to call him back, but he didn’t pick up.
“My heart was just pounding… I took the call on my way home in the car, where I drove directly into a grass field when he called.
“He told me that he was sitting in a beach chair, reading the German newspaper Bild while on vacation in Tenerife, and he came across an article about me… he had never heard of a throw-in coach before.”
Arteta may be banking on Gronnemark’s unique skills to bolster an area they’ve already made their own. The Gunners have scored 14 goals from dead-ball situations this season – more than any other team.
Nicolas Jover, the set-piece maestro at Arsenal, has been instrumental in this success. When asked about his strategy with set-pieces, Arteta revealed it’s the culmination of a decade-long effort.
Arteta, reflecting on when he realised the importance of corners and free-kicks, responded: “Ten years ago. I wasn’t here, but 10 years ago.
“I said ‘It is a massive thing to do that’ and I started to have a vision, try to implement a method and try to be surrounded by the best people to deliver that.”
Arsenal face Chelsea in the first-leg of the League Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, before travelling to Nottingham Forest the following weekend.